Fully funded master’s scholarships in public policy do exist, and they typically cover tuition, a living stipend, and sometimes travel or research costs. Most are offered by universities, national governments, and a small number of foundations that fund policy-focused graduate study. This guide examines ten established programs, explains what each one generally covers, and shows you how to compare them so you can focus your effort where it counts.
Public policy is a broad field, so the funding landscape is fragmented. Some awards target students from specific countries, others focus on economics-heavy policy analysis, and a few are tied to a single institution. Knowing which category fits you is the fastest way to narrow your shortlist.
What “Fully Funded” Usually Means for a Public Policy Master’s
A fully funded offer should cover the full cost of attendance, not just tuition. Before you celebrate an award, check exactly what the package includes in writing.
- Tuition and fees: The academic charge for the program, which varies widely by country and institution.
- Living stipend: A monthly or annual payment for rent, food, and transport; amounts differ by city.
- Health insurance: Often mandatory for international students and sometimes billed separately.
- Travel: Some awards cover flights to and from the host country; many do not.
- Research or conference support: Extra funds for fieldwork, data, or presenting at events.
An award that covers tuition only is a partial scholarship, even if the university markets it as generous. Ask for the total estimated cost of attendance and compare it against the total funding offered. This single comparison prevents most unpleasant surprises later.
Ten Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships in Public Policy
The programs below are established and verifiable through official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, and benefit amounts change, so always confirm details on the official page before applying.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Chevening is the UK government’s international scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organizations. It funds a one-year master’s in the UK, including public policy programs at several universities.
- Covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, return flights, and visa costs.
- Open to citizens of eligible countries who meet work-experience requirements.
- Applicants must return to their home country for at least two years after the award.
Check the official Chevening scholarship page for the current eligible-country list and application window.
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings international students to the United States for graduate study, including public policy and public administration degrees. It is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- Typically covers tuition, living stipend, health insurance, and airfare.
- Applications are handled through U.S. embassies or binational Fulbright commissions in your home country.
- Selection processes and deadlines differ by country.
Start with the Fulbright Foreign Student Program portal to find your country’s specific instructions.
3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programs (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus funds joint master’s degrees delivered by consortia of European universities. Several focus on public policy, governance, and related fields.
- Scholarships usually cover tuition, travel, and a monthly living allowance.
- Students study in at least two European countries.
- Each program has its own application process and eligibility rules.
Browse the Erasmus Mundus joint master’s catalogue to find policy-related programs and their official application pages.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for development-related postgraduate courses, including public policy and governance programs at German universities.
- Benefits often include tuition, monthly stipend, insurance, and travel allowance.
- Some programs target professionals from developing and emerging countries.
- Requirements vary by course, so read each program’s eligibility criteria carefully.
The DAAD scholarship database lists current funding options and links to specific course pages.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia Awards are funded by the Australian government and support students from partner countries to study in Australia, including public policy master’s degrees.
- Generally cover tuition, return air travel, establishment allowance, and living costs.
- Eligibility is tied to your home country and development priorities.
- Recipients usually return home after study to contribute to their country’s development.
Confirm country-specific conditions on the official Australia Awards page.
6. Schwarzman Scholars (China)
Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year master’s program in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed around leadership and public policy themes.
- The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, travel, and a stipend.
- Open to applicants from around the world who meet age and academic criteria.
- Selection is highly competitive and includes interviews.
Review the Schwarzman Scholars admissions page for eligibility and application steps.
7. Oxford Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (UK)
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford supports graduate students from developing and emerging economies, including those studying public policy.
- Typically covers course fees and living costs for the duration of the program.
- Includes a leadership development component alongside academic study.
- Applicants usually apply through the university’s graduate admissions process.
Details are published on the University of Oxford graduate scholarship search.
8. Graduate Institute Geneva Scholarships (Switzerland)
The Geneva Graduate Institute offers scholarships for its master’s programs in international affairs and development, which include strong public policy content.
- Some awards cover full tuition; others provide partial support.
- Funding decisions are often made alongside admission decisions.
- Students should check whether living costs are included or must be covered separately.
Check the Graduate Institute financial aid page for current scholarship options.
9. McCall MacBain Scholarships (Canada)
The McCall MacBain Scholarships fund master’s study at McGill University in Montreal, including public policy and related programs.
- Cover full tuition and fees, plus a living stipend.
- Include mentorship and leadership development programming.
- Open to Canadian and international applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.
Application details are available on the McCall MacBain Scholarships official site.
10. Koç University Graduate Scholarships (Turkey)
Koç University in Istanbul offers merit-based graduate scholarships that can cover tuition and provide a stipend for selected master’s programs, including public policy and international relations.
- Funding levels range from partial tuition waivers to full packages.
- Scholarship decisions are usually tied to the program application.
- Students should confirm whether housing or living costs are included.
See the Koç University graduate scholarship page for current offers.
Comparing the Scholarships at a Glance
The table below summarizes the typical scope of each award. Amounts and conditions change, so treat it as a starting point for your research.
| Scholarship | Host Country | Typical Coverage | Who It Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | UK | Tuition, stipend, flights, visa costs | Citizens of eligible countries with work experience |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | Tuition, stipend, insurance, airfare | International students via home-country commissions |
| Erasmus Mundus | Europe | Tuition, travel, monthly allowance | Students in joint European programs |
| DAAD | Germany | Tuition, stipend, insurance, travel | Professionals from developing countries (varies) |
| Australia Awards | Australia | Tuition, travel, living costs | Students from partner countries |
| Schwarzman Scholars | China | Tuition, housing, travel, stipend | Global applicants meeting age and academic criteria |
| Weidenfeld-Hoffmann | UK | Fees and living costs | Students from emerging economies |
| Geneva Graduate Institute | Switzerland | Varies (full or partial tuition) | Master’s applicants in international affairs |
| McCall MacBain | Canada | Tuition, fees, living stipend | Canadian and international applicants |
| Koç University | Turkey | Partial to full funding | Merit-based graduate applicants |
How to Choose the Right Scholarship for You
Your citizenship, academic background, and career goals will eliminate most options quickly. Work through these questions before you start writing essays.
- Does the award require you to return home after graduation?
- Is there a minimum work-experience requirement?
- Is the program one year or two, and does the funding match the duration?
- Does the scholarship cover living costs or only tuition?
- Are you eligible based on your country of citizenship and residence?
Applying to every program on a list like this is usually a mistake. Two or three well-targeted applications will produce better results than ten rushed ones. Fit matters more than volume: reviewers can tell when your statement of purpose was written for their program rather than adapted from a template.
Documents You Will Usually Need
Most fully funded master’s scholarships in public policy ask for a similar document set. Preparing these early saves weeks later.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates, often with certified translations.
- Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
- A statement of purpose or study plan explaining your policy interests.
- A current CV or résumé.
- English language test scores where required, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Passport or national ID copy.
Some awards add interviews, essays, or leadership questionnaires. Check each program’s official application instructions rather than assuming the documents are the same.
Application Timeline and Planning
Scholarship cycles vary, but most open months before the program starts. A realistic timeline helps you avoid missed deadlines.
- Research programs and eligibility at least a year before your intended start.
- Register for language tests early, since results can take weeks to arrive.
- Ask referees for letters several weeks before the deadline.
- Draft and revise your statement of purpose, then get feedback.
- Submit early rather than on the final day to avoid technical problems.
Some scholarships require you to apply to the university and the funding separately; others handle both in one application. Confirm which applies to each award, because missing a separate funding form after admission is one of the most common ways strong candidates lose out.
Common Mistakes That Cost Applicants Funding
Strong candidates are often rejected for avoidable reasons. Pay attention to these pitfalls.
- Applying to a program that does not actually offer the scholarship you assumed.
- Submitting a generic statement of purpose that ignores the program’s focus.
- Missing the separate scholarship deadline after being admitted.
- Failing to prove English proficiency by the required date.
- Ignoring the return-home or service conditions attached to some awards.
Read the eligibility criteria line by line. If a requirement is unclear, contact the scholarship office directly rather than guessing.
What to Do Once You Are Shortlisted
Shortlisting usually means interviews, additional documents, or verification steps. Treat this stage as seriously as the original application.
- Prepare to explain why public policy matters to your career plans.
- Be ready to discuss your leadership experience with concrete examples.
- Keep copies of every document you submitted for verification.
- Respond promptly to emails from the scholarship office.
Interviews often test motivation and clarity more than academic knowledge. Practicing your answers aloud helps you speak naturally under pressure.
Conclusion
Fully funded public policy master’s scholarships are competitive but real, and most fall into three groups: national government awards, university-specific funding, and foundation-backed programs. Start by confirming your eligibility and what each package actually covers, then focus your effort on two or three awards where you genuinely fit. Use the official pages linked above to verify current requirements before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fully funded master’s scholarships in public policy really available?
Yes. Government programs like Chevening, Fulbright, and Australia Awards, along with university-specific awards, regularly fund public policy master’s degrees. Availability and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm details on official pages.
Do these scholarships cover living costs or only tuition?
Many full scholarships cover tuition, a stipend, and insurance, but some cover tuition only. Check each award’s benefit description carefully and compare it against the total cost of attendance.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Often yes, but some programs prohibit holding two major awards simultaneously. Read the terms of each scholarship to see whether concurrent funding is allowed.
Do I need work experience to qualify?
It depends on the award. Chevening and some Fulbright country programs require relevant work experience, while others focus on academic merit. Check the eligibility criteria for each program.
Is an English language test required?
Most programs taught in English require proof of proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless you are exempt based on prior study in English. Requirements vary by institution.
What is the difference between a public policy and public administration degree?
Public policy tends to emphasize analysis, design, and evaluation, while public administration focuses more on management and implementation. Funding options often overlap between the two fields.
Do I have to return to my home country after graduation?
Some government-funded awards, including Chevening and many Australia Awards, require recipients to return home for a set period. Others have no such condition. Confirm before accepting an offer.
How competitive are these scholarships?
Competition is strong, especially for well-known international awards. A clear statement of purpose, strong references, and a good fit with the program improve your chances.
Can I apply before finishing my bachelor’s degree?
Many programs allow final-year students to apply, provided they complete the degree before enrollment. Each scholarship states its own rules on this point.
Where should I check for updates on deadlines and benefits?
Always use the official scholarship or university website. Third-party directories can be outdated, while official pages publish current eligibility rules and application dates.